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Abdominal Asbestos Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma Definitions

July 3, 2008

Abdominal Asbestos Mesothelioma

Author: Bobbie McKee

Article:
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium,
that thin layer of membrane that protects most of our body's
internal organs. Since its first appearance, mesothelioma has
been associated with exposure to the fibrous mineral used in
construction, called asbestos. As a matter of fact, most cases
of mesothelomia are almost always connected with previous
exposure to the mineral.

In asbestos mesothelioma, the cancerous cells mostly affect the
mesothelial layer of the lungs and chest cavity (called pleura).
However, there are certain cases where the cancer could also
occur in the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdominal cavity,
as well as the pericardium, the membranous sac that surrounds
the heart.

Abdominal asbestos mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the
peritoneum. People who develop abdominal asbestos mesothelioma
may have worked in an area where asbestos is present. Exposure
to asbestos could come in many forms. A worker may inhale
asbestos fibers during the course of regular duties. A person
who is not a worker may be exposed to the mineral by other
means, such as washing the clothes of an asbestos worker.

According to one survey, one out of seven people who came into
contact with asbestos may develop any of the different types of
asbestos-related cancer, including abdominal asbestos
mesothelioma.

Signs and Symptoms

One of the main problems that doctors are having with abdominal
asbestos mesothelioma is the fact that its symptoms are hard to
identify. In fact, the first signs of abdominal asbestos
mesothelioma may not be noticeable until 20 to 50 years after
asbestos exposure. Moreover, the symptoms can vary, depending on
several factors, such as the specific type of mesothelioma a
patient has and his length of exposure to asbestos.

For abdominal asbestos mesothelioma, the symptoms include
cachexia, a condition characterized by drastic loss of weight,
fatigue, muscle atrophy and anorexia (loss of appetite, as
opposed to anorexia nervosa). There may also be abdominal
swelling as a result of the buildup of fluids in the abdominal
cavity. If the abdominal asbestos mesothelioma is in its
advanced stages, pain due to the buildup may also occur.

Other symptoms of abdominal asbestos mesothelioma are anemia,
fever, blood clotting abnormalities, and bowel obstruction.
Additionally, if the cancer has spread to other organs, the
person may suffer swelling of the neck or face or have trouble
swallowing.

Treatment

Abdominal asbestos mesothelioma is not incurable. However, most
of the treatment methods available at present have only been
moderately successful. Doctors often use a combination of
radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy in order to
achieve the best results. Other types of treatment for abdominal
asbestos mesothelioma are more for symptom relief than for an
actual cure. A procedure known as heated intraoperative
intraperitoneal chemotherapy is said to help prevent the
development of the cancer by removing as much of the tumor from
the patient.

About the author:
If you want to learn more about <a
href="http://www.mesothelioma-asbestos-center.com/">exposure
asbestos mesothelioma</a> then please check out my website for
more information and advice.
http://www.mesothelioma-asbestos-center.com



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